Global container shipping major Maersk has revised its Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) for shipments moving from the Indian Subcontinent to Latin America, citing continued operational pressures and cost volatility across trade lanes.
The updated surcharge will apply to cargo on the B1S service connecting India with the West Coast of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, effective May 10, 2026.
Under the revised structure, shipments originating from North West India and Pakistan will attract USD 1,200 per 20-ft container and USD 1,000 per 40-ft container. For South and East India, a flat rate of USD 1,400 per container will be applicable regardless of size.
A second phase of implementation will take effect from May 23, 2026, covering shipments bound for destinations such as Puerto Rico and Colombia, with the same rate levels continuing.
The surcharge will be applicable across all container types, including out-of-gauge, shipper-owned containers, and non-operating reefers, with specialised equipment such as flat racks and open-top containers charged at standard dry container rates.
The revision reflects ongoing supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs impacting long-haul trades, with carriers continuing to adjust pricing mechanisms to manage network imbalances and uncertainty.
